Wheaton police sergeants, lieutenants to see cost-of-living increase

Wheaton City Council approves new 3-year agreement

WHEATON – Sergeants and lieutenants at the Wheaton Police Department will see a 2-percent cost-of-living adjustment starting next month as part of a new agreement with the city.

The Wheaton City Council on April 17 unanimously approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Metropolitan Alliance of Police.

"It makes a lot of sense for both sides," councilman John Prendiville said, in voting to approve the agreement.

Wheaton City Manager Mike Dzugan said there aren't many changes in the agreement compared to past agreements. The agreement calls for sergeants and lieutenants to receive a 2-percent cost-of-living increase on May 1, followed by a 2.25-percent increase on May 1, 2018, and a 2.5-percent increase on May 1, 2019.

The agreement prohibits police officers who are a part of Chapter 450 from striking. In addition, "the city agrees that it will not lock out employees during the terms of this agreement as the result of any labor dispute," according to the agreement.

The agreement also states the city reserves the right to establish the shift schedule for employees.

"In the event the city contemplates a change in the shift schedule, the city will notify Chapter 450 at least 30 days in advance," the agreement states. "Upon request, the city will meet and confer with the affected employee(s) and Chapter 450 to explore alternatives to the proposed schedule change prior to implementation. However, the city retains ultimate authority to determine the schedule."

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